Boston Globe Sunday notes- Sept. 22

Gee Wally

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Feb 27, 2002
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Zdeno Chara has had the best view of changes in the game - The Boston Globe

Much has changed in the new NHL. The game is faster, the goals fewer, and the hits don’t necessarily keep on coming, certainly not as many of those big, explosive, seek-and-destroy hits that 5-10 years ago were the stock footage of video montages played on arena big screens across the league.

What happened to all that thump? The overall emphasis on the game’s speed, hand in hand with coaches preaching puck possession, have altered the dynamic of the hitting game, particularly for the six blue liners who suit up each night to protect the back ends of their respective teams.

“I think there is still room to make hits, and being physical is still a big part of the game,” noted Bruins captain Zdeno Chara, who delivered more that 200 smacks a season, 2006-08, his first two years in residence in Boston. “But the last few years, the puck is the key — play the puck first. It is always nice to finish checks, and make big splash hits. But I think to be able to prevent the pass going through you, or stopping the play with your stick, is more effective or valuable [today] than going out there and making the big hit, and the puck goes through and someone makes a play. The puck is the key.”

“Guys were being told, ‘Hey, finish the check, finish the check . . . that’s your job, don’t worry about the puck,’ ” recalled Big Z, whose 81 hits last season ranked third among Bruins blue liners, behind Brandon Carlo (134) andCharlie McAvoy (92). “Now, it’s a little bit different. You have to play the puck first. It’s the key. It’s No. 1 right now to play the puck, and then if there is room to add to that, and finish your guy and eliminate him with good body position or a finishing check, that’s when you do it.

“But the game is too fast now to just be chasing hits and going all over the place . . . the puck is the fastest player out there and you have to take care of it first.”
 

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